New Role For Portland YOI

Portland's YOI is to become a place to rehabilitate criminals before they're released from jail.

The news it's to become a Resettlement Prison has been announced by the Justice Secretary Chris Grayling.

Offenders from Dorset serving time behind bars will move to the Islands YOI before they're released.

So-called resettlement jails are aimed at cutting re-offending.

Dorset's Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill fought for the Resettlement Prison after the closure of Dorchester's jail, he's pleased with the news;

"It means prison staff at HMP/YOI Portland can focus on rehabilitation into the local community, which is a significant step forward in tackling re-offending and will offer greater support to all offenders. I would like to thank the various MPs who have helped me in this journey to secure a resettlement prison for Dorset."